Brunch at Corbin’s Bar & Grill
We all love our weekends for various reasons - time off work, relaxation, fun with friends and family. While I love all of those reasons too, I also look forward to the weekend because it means time for brunch. One of our favorite spots for Sunday Brunch is Corbin's Bar & Grill in north central Phoenix. This place is the quintessential neighborhood hangout and do they ever know how to serve up brunch food!
French Toast
The French Toast is, in a word, delicious. They use rustic Italian bread and serve with either maple syrup or blueberry compote (I kept it traditional with maple syrup). You can choose from a side of seasoned breakfast potatoes or fresh fruit compote. Hint: the potatoes are fantastic. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fresh-squeezed OJ. They also have an assortment of crepes. My husband loved the Apple Walnut version. Other brunch items include Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Eggs Bayou, Waffles and Frittatas.
Apple Walnut Crepes
If the food isn't enough of a reason to give Corbin's a try, then you should know that their patio is dog-friendly for those weekends when you just need a little extra time with your four-legged friend(s).
The patio at Corbin's is dog-friendly.
Corbin's Bar & Grill
8729 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-466-3201
Viet Kitchen
I'm always happy when someone from the office is so excited about a place that they want to share it on our blog. Kim is our Marketing Programs Manager, and here's her take on the Viet Kitchen Restaurant:
I was excited when I found out my favorite Vietnamese restaurant from North Phoenix opened up a second location in Downtown Phoenix (UPDATE: The downtown location has closed). Growing up, my mom cooked pretty much everything Viet Kitchen has on their menu, so I have a tough time deciding what to get every time I am there.
PHÒ TÁI
I usually end up leaving completely stuffed because I feel the need to order a couple of items just to get my fill until the next visit. A must have each time is the Vietnamese soup Pho, and my favorite is the Prime Pho (PHÒ TÁI). On this visit, I decided to get the Vietnamese pancake called Danang Sunrise (BÁNH XÉO) for an appetizer. My friend decided to venture away from the soup and tried their Viet Style Filet. Next time I think I will get the Spring Rolls and a Banh Mi sandwich.
Vietnames Pancake-BÁNH XÉO
See more photos on Flickr.
Downtown Phoenix - CLOSED
114 W. Adams St. (NW corner of 1st Ave. and Adams)
602-262-5535
North Phoenix
20235 N. Cave Creek Rd., #108 (NE corner of N. Cave Creek & E. Beardsley Rd.)
602-788-5535
Los Reyes de la Torta
I'm happy to report that I now have another restaurant to add to my list of Phoenix Faves. We are just now discovering Los Reyes de la Torta although we have lived only 5 miles from it for 11 years. I guess you could say we were a little slow to the punch on this one. But that's all water under the bridge now. It's officially moved to the top of our list for Mexican food.
And I have Facebook to thank. A fan of VisitPhoenix's page recommended this place when we posed the question: "What's your favorite Mexican restuarant in the Phoenix area?" Her answer: "Okay, if you want REAL Mexican food, not "Mexican-American", you gotta try "Los Reyes de la Torta". Authentic Mexico city style food.
Well, she wasn't kidding. You won't find burritos or enchiladas or even tortilla chips at this joint. What you will find is the real deal: quesadillas, tacos and Mexican sandwiches called tortas (big doesn't even begin to describe them). They even serve up breakfast. The portions are huge, as you can see from the picure below, and the prices are small. What a great combo! Our bill totaled $15 before tip, and we left with lunch for the next day. Now that's a deal.
9230 N. 7th Street, Phoenix
602-870-2967
Kierland Commons
If there's one thing I love to do, it's S-H-O-P! And Kierland Commons happens to be one of the places I enjoy the most. I love it's selection of stores along with its openess and beautiful setting. It really sets the mood for a great day of shopping. They also have an amazing selection of restaurants, so there's always a place to rest your feet and refuel between stores (never underestimate the need to refuel during a shopping excursion - energy is crucial).
My most recent visit to Kierland Commons was for Fashion's Night Out. I needed a little retail therapy after a long week and this was the perfect solution. Kierland is fun any time of day, but evening is especially "magical" with all of the white lights, people strolling around and patios full of happy hour aficionados. Thanks to the celebratory nature of Fashion's Night Out, there was music playing, drinks flowing, deals to be had and a slew of live models showing off the latest must-haves for Fall. The stores really got into the spirit of the evening (Note: although tempting, I steered clear of drinking and shopping - it's hazardous to my wallet!).
Kierland truly has a little bit of everything. Some of my favorite stores include Anthropologie, The French Bee, Michael Kors and Charles David. Of course, they also have the good ol' stand bys like Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, J. Crew, LOFT, Banana Republic and Tommy Bahama (which includes the Cafe). Basically, I can meet all of my shopping needs in one place.
As mentioned, the restaurant selection is stellar as well. Some of my personal favs are The Greene House, Zinc Bistro and Ocean Club (the pretzel bread is to die for.)
But don't just take it from, be sure to check it out for yourself. To see all of their stores and restaurants, go to www.kierlandcommons.com.
Kierland Commons
Greenway Pkwy. and Scottsdale Rd.
Phoenix Cooks! 2010
Calling all Foodies: Labor Day Weekend is upon us, so that means it's time for Phoenix Cooks! This annual event has a new home this year at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. If you attend, get ready to indulge yourself. There will be specialties from more than 50 restaurants and resorts along with the opportunity to sample wine, beer and spirits. And, if that's not enough, there will be cooking demonstrations, shopping and "foodie" raffle prizes with 100% benefitting Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Be on the lookout for these chefs: Beau MacMillan (elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain), Lee Hillson (T. Cooks at The Royal Palms), Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro & The Mission), Anthony DeMuro (Different Pointe of View and many, many more!
Tickets are $75/pp in advance and $90/pp at the door. Class tickets are additional. Check out www.phoenixcooks.com for all of the details.
Happy Eating!
Arizona Restaurant Week
Just announced, Arizona Restaurant Week has firmed up the dates for 2010, and will be returning from September 18 - 26. (Wallets and palates rejoice!) This year will feature over 100 restaurants, each offering three-course meals for either $29 or $39 per person, of course not including drinks, tax and tip.
Every year this is the must-do week of culinary exploration, and water coolers are filled with chatter about "What did you try?" Each year we get asked for our top picks, and withholding judgment until the full list is out, here are some big highlights:
Culinary Dropout
J&G Steakhouse
Lon's at the Hermosa Inn
True Food Kitchen
Tuscany
A more comprehensive (and ever-growing) list can be accessed here. Some of the Phoenix area's top chefs are already on the list and given previous years' participation, we're expecting a lot more to join soon.
One notable highlight this year - restaurants will have the option to offer gluten-fee dishes, which will be noted on the Arizona Restaurant Week web site, so if gluten is not your friend, make sure to check the options first.
Oh, and feel free to log your anticipation of the event on twitter, with the hashtag #ARW2010.
